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How Does Abortion Affect Health?

Posted on Sat, 22 Nov 2014

Question: Hi,
My sister in law is diagnosed with high risk for down syndrome after the genetic and amniotic fluid test.
In the scanning there were also the concerns of cerebral palsy and one leg being deformed. Doctors have advised termination/abortion. Of course they are totally devastated, I would like to know how the process of abortion can affect her health and what would they do after the foetus is removed, I mean will the foetus be alive? Sorry may be its a weird question but for Iam sure no doubt in medical field is weird.

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (20 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Need more info

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for the query

I am sorry, it is an extremely unfortunate thing what has happened.
The process of abortion is different in different weeks of pregnancy, please get back to me as to how many months into her pregnancy she is, I will be able to tell you how it will be done

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (3 minutes later)

she is in her 5th month of pregnancy.

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Medical Termination of pregnancy

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for getting back, I am sorry for the short delay in my reply. I was on call at my hospital.

At 5 months of gestation, it is possible to undergo medical termination of pregnancy with just tablets of mifeprestone and prostaglandins. Since it is a late termination of pregnancy I advise an over night stay at the hospital.
The abortion will happen just like a normal delivery and it is most of the times painful. Patients experience mild to moderate bleeding. Complications are most often due to profuse bleeding.

The next day we get an ultra sound scan done to look for retained part of conception to prevent infections due to retained parts.

The fetus will not be alive after delivery, in our hospital we handover the product of conception if the parents desire.

I wish your sister in law all the very best

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (10 hours later)

Hi Dr. XXXXXXX

Thanks for your reply and information. Actually she is in her 24 th week, shes scheduled for the procedure today.

How many days of rest does she need before being normal.
Can they have children after that, guess not due to her age and history of DS now.

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for getting back

She must be undergoing D&C which is safe but mildly painful procedure. I advise my patients rest for about 5-7 days.

They can definitely have children after that, there is no doubt about it. Down syndrome need not occur in the next child.

I hope I was of help

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (22 hours later)

Hi Dr. XXXXXXX

It's all over now, very emotional for everybody. Apart from DS, the foetus(boy) had talipes, comparatively large head..........they said chances of mental retardation............and congenital problems.
Personally I feel the pain that the child is taken away before giving it a chance to live, the parents and the close family ( I'm away from them )must be feeling the same, a sense of guilt and on the other hand I feel that a life time of pain and sorrow is saved for both the child and parents.........
I think the mourning would bring them healing,do you think the parents need counselling ?

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
Hello

I understand that the couple and their family is going through a very difficult time but whatever decision was taken was in best interest of the child, parents and family.
I suggest couple counselling as a rule to all my patients who have undergone medical termination of pregnancy, plus genetic counselling also is very important. It is done by the obstetrician itself in our hospital.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (15 minutes later)

They are in XXXXXXX XXXXXXX Can you suggest anyplace where the counselling is done both for medical termination of pregnancy, plus genetic counselling.
Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for getting back

I am based in XXXXXXX so I dont know much about XXXXXXX I have enquired with colleagues and Dr Evita Fernandes of Fernandes Hospital is highly recommend. You can approach this doctor

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (17 hours later)

Hi Dr. XXXXXXX

Thanks for your suggestions/time regarding this issue.
I have another medical question but probably I should close this discussion and post the question afresh for doctor's to review, isn't it ?

Thanks again.
All the best and have a good day.

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Many patients post queries asking for good doctors in a particular area. You could do the same . If you were happy with my answers you could write me a review, it makes me happy

I wish you and you family good health

Regards

Note: For detailed guidance on genetic screening consult a genetics specialist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar